Device for applying a substance to the hair

ABSTRACT

A device for applying a substance to hair may include, the device comprising at least one applicator element configured to be received between two consecutive digits of a hand. The applicator element may be configured to enable the substance to be applied to a lock of hair extending between the digits. The device may also include at least one holding portion configured to enable the device to be held on the hand of the user.

This non-provisional application claims the benefit of French Application No. 04 52489 filed on Oct. 29, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/630,202 filed on Nov. 24, 2004, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to devices for applying a substance to the hair, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to treating locks of hair by applying a dye or a bleach.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 2,722,706 discloses an elastomer glove that includes a foam pad on the palm face of each finger and thumb tip. The pad serves to absorb and then to dispense a liquid onto the hair and the scalp while massaging.

SUMMARY

Such a known device does not make it easy to apply a substance to locks of hair, nor does such a device make it easy to keep the digits clean.

There exists a need to benefit from a device suitable for applying a substance on locks of hair. Exemplary embodiments of the invention may satisfy that need.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a device for applying a substance to hair, the device comprising an applicator element configured to be received between two consecutive digits and to enable the substance to be applied to a lock of hair extending between the digits.

In exemplary embodiments, the device may further comprise at least one holding portion configured to enable the device to be held on the hand of a user, for example, on a digit.

Such a device may leave tips of the digits free for manipulating the hair with precision.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention may make it possible to keep ends of the digits clean, which may enable the user to grasp the hair which has not yet been treated with the product. This may enable the user to avoid using the other hand, for example, in the aim of not soiling the other hand, or not to remove the device from the digits.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator element may preferably be configured to be placed between proximal phalanges of the digits (as opposed to middle phalanges or distal phalanges). This may make it possible, for example to leave palm faces of the middle and distal phalanges free.

In exemplary embodiments, the device may comprise at least one opening configured to enable at least an end of a digit to go therethrough, for example, at least a proximal phalange of a digit or at least a middle phalange of a digit.

In exemplary embodiments, the device may comprise at least two applicator elements, each configured to be placed between two consecutive digits of the user. The device may comprise more applicator elements, for example, three applicator elements configured to be placed between four fingers of one of the user's hands, ignoring the thumb. In exemplary embodiments, the device may comprise an applicator element configured to be placed between a thumb and an index finger of the user's hand.

In exemplary embodiments in which the device comprises a plurality of applicator elements, the applicator elements may be independent from one another or may be united.

In exemplary embodiments, at least one applicator element may come into contact during application with an interdigital membrane of the hand, at bases of the digits between the knuckles. This may contribute to holding the applicator element in place relative to the hand while in use.

In exemplary embodiments, the an applicator element may be secured to the hand in various ways.

For example, an applicator element may be held solely by being clamped between two consecutive digits, for example, the proximal phalanges thereof. Alternatively, the applicator element may be held by having the device connected to the hand of the user, for example, to one or more digits, for example, over the metacarpus and/or the wrist.

In exemplary embodiments, the device may include at least one housing that is open to a side thereof, enabling a digit to be engaged therein, for example, the proximal phalange thereof. The device may include two housings open to sides thereof, one on either side of the applicator element, each housing being configured to engage a respective digit, and, for example, the proximal phalange thereof.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator element(s) may be configured in such a manner that the applicator element(s) remain held in the hand while the hand is at rest, that is, while no adduction force (moving the digits toward one another) is being exerted by the digits on the applicator element(s).

Particularly in exemplary embodiments in which two applicator elements are secured to each other, each applicator element may be carried, for example, by a glove shaped to cover the user's hand in full or in part. The term “glove” should be understood broadly, covering any article that may be engaged on and secured to the hand, for example, a fingerless glove, or a perforated glove, for example, of the kind worn by cyclists, or even a mitten.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator element(s) may also be held on by at least one annular portion configured to be engaged like a ring on a corresponding digit of the user, for example, at least partially encircling the corresponding digit. For example, the applicator element(s) may be held on by at least two, three, four, or five annular portions.

For example, the applicator element may be connected to two annular portions configured to engage on the digits between which the applicator element is placed. One annular portion may thus be common to two applicator elements disposed on either side thereof.

The applicator element(s) may be configured, for example, so as to retain a substance by capillarity, so as to be capable of releasing the substance progressively onto hair, for example.

For example, the applicator element may be made at least in part of a porous material. For example, the applicator element may thus comprise a foam, for example, an open-celled foam and/or flocking, specifically configured to be capable of becoming filled with a large quantity of substance. Alternatively, the applicator element may be non-porous.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator element may be made at least in part of elastomer.

In exemplary embodiments, the device may be made entirely of a single material. The device may be made as a one-piece molding, for example, of a plastics material.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator element may be secured to a holding portion, for example, a holding portion comprising or constituted by a glove, or an annular portion, or a holding portion including one or two housings as defined above, and may be secured by various means, for example, by overmolding, adhesive, heat-sealing, stitching, stapling, snap-fastening, hook-and-loop type fastening, magnetism, or pinching between two parts, this list not being limiting.

In exemplary embodiments, at least one applicator element may have at least one tooth, and for example, a plurality of teeth. The presence of a tooth or teeth may make it possible to comb the lock that is engaged between the digits concerned. The tooth or teeth may be oriented substantially parallel to the digits of the user that are adjacent to the applicator element, for example, thus making it easier to insert the teeth into the hair.

When the hand is flat, the tooth or teeth may be inclined relative to a plane of the hand.

In exemplary embodiments, the teeth of the applicator element may be sufficiently close together to retain the substance by capillarity, where appropriate or desired.

In exemplary embodiments, the tooth or teeth may optionally include portions in relief and/or roughnesses and/or angular portions and/or flocking, for example, to increase a quantity of substance that may be retained.

For example, an applicator element may comprise one to twenty teeth, for example, three to fifteen teeth, or even three to ten teeth. For example, the applicator element may include three, four, or five teeth. A length of the teeth may lie in a range, for example, of 0.2 centimeters (cm) to 2 cm, for example, in a range of 0.3 cm to 1 cm, or even in a range of 0.5 cm to 1 cm. For example, the teeth may be shorter than adjacent proximal phalanges. The teeth may optionally all be of a same length.

In exemplary embodiments, at least one applicator element may include a slot that is open at one end and into which the lock of hair for treatment may be engaged, the slot including edges that may be smooth, flocked or otherwise.

In exemplary embodiments in which the applicator element is deformable, the slot may include two opposite edges that, for example, touch when the digits are moved toward each other and that diverge going away from the metacarpus during an abduction movement.

Depending on an extent to which the digits are moved toward each other, this may serve to clamp the lock of hair more or less tightly between the edges of the slot, and may thus act on the quantity of substance that is deposited, for example.

In exemplary embodiments, the at least one applicator element may include bristles, for example, at least one tuft of bristles. The bristles may be implanted in an irregular manner, for example, as tufts, or in a regular manner, with the bristles being in alignment with substantially identical spacing therebetween, for example. For example, a length of the bristles may be less than or equal to a length of adjacent proximal phalanges. The bristles may optionally be oriented substantially parallel to adjacent fingers.

In exemplary embodiments, the device may be specially configured to be fitted onto a left hand or a right hand, or may be configured to be capable of being used equally well on either hand.

In exemplary embodiments, the device may include a removable portion, for example, a discardable portion, and a portion configured to hold the device on the hand. The portion may be configured to be used several times over. The removable portion may comprise, for example, at least one of the applicator elements.

In exemplary embodiments, an applicator element in general, and an element forming an optionally removable portion, for example, may be selected, for example, as a function of the substance that is to be applied, for example, by keeping different applicator elements for different respective colors, as a function of the nature of the hair, and/or as a function of the way in which the user seeks to treat the lock.

For example, the device may comprise a plurality of different applicator elements, for example, an applicator element including teeth and/or an applicator element including bristles and/or an applicator element including a slot. This may enable the user to select the applicator element as a function of a desired result and/or as a function of the substance to be applied, by passing the lock between the corresponding digits.

In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of devices may be provided with different sizes. Alternatively, a device may comprise a single size, being, for example, stretchable at least in part.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a device for applying a substance to hair, the device comprising at least two applicator elements secured to each other and each configured to be housed between two consecutive digits of one hand, each applicator element being configured to apply a substance to a lock of hair extending between the corresponding digits.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a device for applying a substance to hair, the device comprising at least one applicator element configured to be received between two consecutive digits of one hand and to enable the substance to be applied to a lock of hair extending between these digits, the device including at least one housing open to a side and configured to receive at least one of the digits engaged therein.

Independently or in combination with the above, exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a method of treating hair, for example, cosmetically. The method may comprise: placing a lock of hair between two consecutive digits of a hand, an applicator element being placed between the digits, the applicator element being configured to be capable of being received between the two consecutive digits of one hand; and

moving the hand relative to the lock so as to apply a substance and/or to comb the lock using the applicator element.

In exemplary embodiments, the substance may be previously applied to the applicator element, prior to applying the substance and/or combing the lock. Alternatively or additionally, the substance may be deposited directly on the lock to be treated.

In exemplary embodiments, one of the user's hands may hold the lock, directly or by using some other accessory, such as a comb that is configured to isolate one or more locks, while the other hand may carry the applicator element that is to treat the lock.

In exemplary embodiments, the user may make use of the digits as a comb to separate locks of hair.

In exemplary embodiments, the user may act on an extent to which two consecutive fingers placed on either side of the applicator element are pressed together, depending on a desired result.

For example, different applicator elements in one hand may be reserved for different dyes, and the pairs of fingers between which locks are inserted for treatment may be selected as a function of respective substances on the corresponding applicator elements.

Alternatively, the user may hold the lock with a comb for hair that comprises a succession of teeth, for example, a comb including teeth with at least one tooth carrying a hook that extends at least in part away from a plane defined by at least two consecutive teeth, for example, a comb including at least two teeth without hooks and at least one tooth with a hook.

In exemplary embodiments, the application and/or combing operation may be performed by an operator other than the individual whose hair is being treated. Alternatively, the application and/or combing operation may be performed by a same individual.

In exemplary embodiments, during treatment, the substance may not contact the hand of the user.

Independently or in combination with the above, exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a kit for applying a substance, for example, a cosmetic, to hair, the kit comprising: a substance configured to be applied to hair, for example, a dye or a bleach; and a device for applying the substance, as defined above.

In exemplary embodiments, the substance may comprise a dye that is labile or permanent. A permanent dye may be a result of extemporaneously mixing a dye and a dye oxidizer, the dye and the oxidizer being packaged separately, for example.

In exemplary embodiments, the user may need to fill the applicator element with substance, for example, by pouring the substance thereon. For example, the substance may contained in a receptacle that is provided with an endpiece for this purpose.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator element may also comprise at least one component of the substance configured to be applied, or even the substance itself. The component or substance may, for example, impregnate an applicator element comprising a porous material, for example, a foam or flocking.

For example, the component or the substance may be in a powder form, and a liquid may need to be applied to the applicator element prior to use.

In exemplary embodiments, the component or the substance may also be in a liquid or paste form, in which case the applicator element may be packaged in a hermetically-sealed package, where necessary or desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various details of the invention may be better understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof, and on observing the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary view of a hand of a user fitted with an exemplary device;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the exemplary device of FIG. 1 in use;

FIGS. 3 to 5 are diagrammatic and fragmentary views showing various exemplary devices;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing one of the exemplary applicator elements of FIG. 5 on its own; and

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary kit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary device 1 for applying a substance to hair, the device being in place on a hand M of a user.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the device 1 may comprise three applicator elements 10, each located between two consecutive fingers D of the user, not including the thumb.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the applicator elements 10 may be identical. However, alternatively, the applicator elements may be different.

The applicator elements 10 may be secured to one another, for example, being connected to holding portions 2 that are annular, each being engaged like a ring on the proximal phalange of a corresponding digit D of the user, for example.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, each applicator element 10 may include a slot 11, extending parallel to a longitudinal direction of the user's digits D when the device is in place on the user's hand M, so as to enable a lock of hair F to be passed therein.

For example, the applicator elements 10 may be made of an elastically deformable material, thereby making the device 1 more comfortable to wear and enabling a width of an opening of the slot 11 to be varied.

Before engaging a lock in the slot 11, a substance P may be retained by capillarity in the slot 11, for example.

For example, each applicator element 10 may be made at least in part of a porous material, thus making it possible to increase a quantity of substance that may be loaded onto an applicator element.

For example, the porous material may comprise a foam, for example, an open-celled foam, and/or may comprise flocking.

For example, each applicator element 10 may be fitted to holding portions 2. Alternatively, the entire device may be made as a single piece, for example, as a one-piece plastics molding.

When the applicator elements 10 are fitted to the holding portions 2, the applicator elements 10 may be secured by a permanent fastener means, such as overmolding, heat-sealing, adhesive, snap-fastening, or clamping, for example. Alternatively, not shown, the applicator elements may also be releasably fastened to the holding portion 2, for example, to enable the applicator elements to be replaced.

As shown in FIG. 2, the exemplary device 1 may be used as follows.

The device 1 may be engaged on the hand M of a user in such a manner that at least one applicator element 10 is held between two consecutive digits D of the user. Thereafter, a lock F of hair may be passed between two consecutive digits D to apply a substance and/or to smooth out the lock using the applicator element 10.

Substance may previously be applied to the applicator element so that passing the lock between the digits D serves to apply the substance in an ergonomic manner. The user's other hand may be used to hold the locks of hair, for example, so that the locks of hair stand up vertically, and at a spacing that corresponds to a spacing between the applicator elements 10, thus facilitating uniform application. The locks 10 may be held taut. The other hand may be optionally be used to hold the hair using a comb.

The digits D of the user's hand holding the device 1 may be used to separate the locks F. It is also possible to act on a degree of clamping between two consecutive digits D of the user on either side of an applicator element 10 as a function of a desired result.

The application operation may be performed by a user other than the individual being treated, or may be performed by that individual. For example, the exemplary device 1 may facilitate application of a dye or a bleach to one's own hair.

Before putting the device 1 into place on the hand, the user may begin by putting on protective gloves. Such gloves may be disposable, and, for example, may include cuffs for protecting the wrists.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the applicator elements 10 may be secured to a glove 3 configured to cover the user's hand completely or in part.

As shown in FIG. 3, the glove 3 may be fitted with applicator elements 10 in four interdigital regions at the bases of the digits. The applicator elements 10 may possibly include slots 11, for example, as described above.

For example, the applicator elements 10 may be overmolded onto the glove 3, with the glove acting as a holding portion configured to hold the applicator elements on the user's hand.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the glove 3 may cover the user's hand completely, but it is contemplated that the glove 3 may cover the user's hand in part only, as shown in FIG. 4.

In FIG. 4, the glove 3 is like a glove as worn by cyclists, including longitudinal openings on a back of the hand and covering the bases of the digits. For example, the glove 3 may be worn against the skin, or over a protective glove. The glove 3 may include openings for passing ends of the fingers.

The exemplary device shown in FIG. 4 also differs from that shown in FIG. 3 in that the applicator elements 10 may comprise bristles 12 extending longitudinally substantially parallel to two adjacent digits D of the user. For example, the bristles 12 may be made integrally, i.e., monolithically, with the glove 3, by being molded of a same material. Alternatively, the bristles 12 may be secured to a support itself fastened to the glove 3 in the interdigital regions. The glove 3 may also be overmolded onto the bristles 12.

In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the applicator elements 10 may be secured to one another. It is contemplated, however, that at least one applicator element may be independent.

For example, FIG. 5 shows exemplary independent applicator elements 10 placed on the hand M of a user. As shown in FIG. 6, the holding portion 2 of each applicator element 10 may comprise two open housings 14 on opposite sides of said holding portion 2 each configured to receive a respective one of the user's digits D. Thus, each applicator element 10 may be held by being clamped between the corresponding digits.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, the applicator elements are shown as including teeth 15, which, in the exemplary embodiment shown, may extend substantially parallel to the user's digits D once the applicator element 10 is in place.

Each element 10 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5 may be made integrally as a one-piece plastics molding, for example, by injection molding, with the teeth being obtained by molding.

An exemplary device, for example, any one of the exemplary devices described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, may be associated with at least one substance, configured to be applied, within a kit.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary kit 30, for example, comprising the applicator element 10 of FIG. 6 together with a substance 20 for loading onto the applicator element 10. For example, the substance 20 may comprise two components configured to be mixed together extemporaneously.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, the applicator element 10 is shown outside the package containing the substance. However, it is contemplated that a device together with the substance(s) associated therewith in the kit may all be placed in a single package.

At least one applicator element may be pre-impregnated with substance or with at least one component of the substance, for example, when the applicator element comprises a porous material.

At least one applicator element may be packaged in a hermetically-sealed package, for example, when the applicator element includes the substance configured to be applied or one of the components thereof.

The substance impregnating or for use in impregnating the applicator elements may comprise a labile hair dye. The applicator elements may also include respective cakes of substance.

When the substance or a component thereof is initially present on the device, the substance or component may be, for example, in the form of a powder, a fluid, or a solid, for example, coated on a surface of the applicator element, or may be in the form of a cake of substance, for example, in embodiments in which the substance comprises a labile dye.

An exemplary device may be used not only to perform bleaching or dying treatments, but may be used to deliver a substance for care or treatment purposes to hair, for example, a treatment against lice. Under such circumstances, the applicator element may be used simultaneously or independently to comb the hair, for example, to eliminate nits.

Although various details of the present invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Throughout the description, including in the claims, the term “comprising a” should be understood as being synonymous with “comprising at least one” unless specified to the contrary. 

1. A device for applying a substance to hair, the device comprising at least one applicator element configured to be received between two consecutive digits of a hand, the applicator element configured to enable the substance to be applied to a lock of hair extending between the digits, the device further comprising at least one holding portion configured to enable the device to be held on the hand of a user.
 2. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one applicator element is carried by a glove configured to receive at least part of the hand of the user.
 3. A device according to claim 1, further comprising an annular portion configured to be engaged by at least partially encircling a corresponding digit of the user.
 4. A device according to claim 1, further comprising two annular portions configured to be engaged by at least partially encircling a corresponding digit of the user.
 5. A device according to claim 1, further comprising at least two applicator elements secured to each other.
 6. A device according to claim 1, further comprising an orifice configured to enable at least an end of a digit to pass therethrough.
 7. A device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one housing open to a side of the applicator element and configured to enable a digit to be engaged therein.
 8. A device according to claim 7, further comprising two housings open to opposite sides of the applicator element, each configured to enable a corresponding digit to be engaged therein.
 9. A device according to claim 7, further comprising at least two applicator elements, each configured to be placed between two consecutive digits of the user.
 10. A device according to claim 7, wherein the device comprises a plurality of applicator elements, the applicator elements being independent from one another.
 11. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one applicator element is configured to be placed between proximal phalanges.
 12. A device according to claim 1, further comprising at least three applicator elements, each configured to be placed between two consecutive digits of the user.
 13. A device according to claim 1, further comprising at least three applicator elements, each configured to be placed between four fingers of one hand of the user, not including a thumb.
 14. A device according to claim 1, further comprising an applicator element configured to be placed between a thumb and an index finger of the hand of the user.
 15. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one applicator element is configured to come into contact with an interdigital membrane of the hand during application.
 16. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one applicator element is made at least in part out of a porous material.
 17. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one applicator element is made at least in part of a foam.
 18. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one applicator element is made at least in part of elastomer.
 19. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device is made entirely of a single material.
 20. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a one-piece molding.
 21. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one applicator element comprises at least one tooth.
 22. A device according to claim 21, wherein the at least one tooth extends parallel to the digits of the user that are adjacent to the applicator element.
 23. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one applicator element comprises a slot.
 24. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one applicator element comprises bristles.
 25. A method of treating hair, the method comprising: causing a lock of hair to pass between two consecutive digits of a hand, with an applicator element being disposed between said digits, the applicator element being configured to be received between the two consecutive digits; and placing the hand relative to the lock for at least one of applying a substance to the lock and combing the lock using the applicator element.
 26. A method according to claim 25, wherein the substance is applied to the applicator element prior to at least one of applying the substance or combing the lock.
 27. A method according to claim 25, wherein one hand of the user holds the lock while the other hand carries the at least one applicator element.
 28. A method according to claim 25, wherein the user uses the digits as a comb to separate locks of hair.
 29. A method according to claim 25, wherein the user acts on an extent to which two consecutive digits disposed on either side of the applicator element are clamped together, as a function of a desired result.
 30. A method according to claim 25, wherein the lock is held with a hair comb comprising a succession of teeth, at least one of the teeth carrying a hook.
 31. A method according to claim 25, wherein at least one of applying the substance and combing the lock is performed by an operator other than an individual whose hair is being treated.
 32. A method according to claim 25, wherein at least one of applying the substance and combing the lock is performed by an individual whose own hair is being treated.
 33. A method according to claim 25, wherein the substance does not contact the hand of the user.
 34. A kit for applying a substance to hair, comprising: a substance configured to be applied to hair; and a device for applying the substance according to claim
 1. 35. A kit according to claim 34, wherein the applicator element comprises a porous material, and wherein at least one of the substance and a component of the substance is configured to impregnate the applicator element.
 36. A kit according to claim 34, wherein at least one applicator element is packaged in a hermetically-sealed package.
 37. A kit according to claim 34, wherein the substance comprises a labile dye.
 38. A kit according to claim 34, wherein the substance comprises at least one of a dye and a bleach. 